"The Essence of a Leader"

Becky Parker

Owner and Master Stylist, Rezults Salon

I had the pleasure of meeting Owner and Master Stylist of Rezults Salon, Becky Parker. When I first learned that I was interviewing her I was ecstatic, as I have admired her from afar for many years. When you encounter her, it’s easy to notice her style, grace, and beauty, but to meet her is a true delight. Becky has been in the industry for 27 years and an owner of her salon for 21 years. With that kind of track record you must have great wisdom, business acumen, and a strong will to succeed. Becky has been and still is a mentor to up and coming stylists in the industry. Her passion is to help and see others grow in their craft. When women leave Becky’s chair, they look and amazing and feel amazing! 

My personal take away from this interview is to truly believe in myself and my gifts, never shortchange my accomplishments, have faith in God, always be a blessing, share my knowledge, and be consistent in all that I do. Well, enough of my thoughts I want to share with you a snippet of Becky’s take on her career, hair, and personal tips!!! 

Many would be surprised that being a hairstylist was not Becky’s first dream career. I was shocked to learn that she wanted to be an international flight attendant! I found it funny when she said “At that time, I had never even been on a plane!” It was not until the age of 12 that she knew she wanted to be a hairstylist. It all started with her mother. Her mom, who was not a stylist, would cut and style her hair and she would bring her friends home so that she could do their hair! She then began to tell herself, “I can do that!” When in high school, she would get fake passes to go to the bathroom to cut hair for $15 a head! What a hustle! 

She also recalled going to Parson’s salon with her mother and while waiting she watched them do hair and again said to herself, “I can do that!” As she explored her interests she realized styling hair was a gift because it was effortless. “I could not explain it to others, I could just do it”, she said. It was only befitting for her to make it official and learn the techniques and technical terms by going to cosmetology school. 

Reminiscing on her time in class, she remembered her instructor’s question, “Who is your clientele? Do you portray that?” Becky knew that she wanted the working woman because she knew that she could provide a certain atmosphere for them. At that moment she knew she wanted her own business. When she opened her salon in 1995 she created a befitting atmosphere for women, it is so elegant and her clientele are definitely fabulous women! She has proven her words be true, “How you present yourself is what you will attract.” 

Becky worked in four salons before she decided to step out on her own, which was a serious act of faith. She said that she did not worry about how to do it or where the money would come from, she just made the move. The amazing part is that she did this without the guidance of a mentor. But it is not because she did not try. She tried to get a mentor that she admired for years however, that person did not make themselves available for her. This was a blessing in disguise. That experience motivated her and pushed her forward but it also made it her mission to share her knowledge with others. She tells stylists to squeeze everything out of her. She explains her keys is success as “Wanting to be a blessing to others and watching them grow. Being a blessing has keep me in this industry this long.” 

Some have asked, “Becky you still love doing hair?” Her response, “Yes! I love making women feel amazing about themselves! I love styling a woman that thinks she can’t look a certain way, because when I get done with her she will become a believer.”

Although Becky continues to have an amazing career that does not mean that she did not have her challenges. She mentioned how she got through the tough times, “I was on autopilot and I did not like that but God helped me overcome that. I wanted to quit at times, but I am not a quitter. I just could not do it. Even in the midst of wanting to quit, I prayed because I knew that God had something for me.” 

God definitely does have more in store for her! Becky is in the midst of transitioning to another type of business model with a well-known and respected Makeup Artist, Nettie Kelley. Her face lit up when she mentioned Nettie, she said, “I never thought I could find someone like her, she is a woman of integrity and she is about her business!” Together their goal is to pamper women and still getting them out in a timely manner. After completing this project she has plans to set up franchises in surrounding areas. 

Being in the industry this length of time and growing in her success proves that she has great wisdom to share with others. Becky shared this advice for new stylists, “You can make a lot of money but stay humble. This money is fast and it can leave fast. You must be consistent and humble. Take care of your clients to the best of your ability every day. I even pray that my last client would look like my first. When you come in the building, it is time to perform and you cannot let life affect your work. Having a bad attitude is unacceptable. Of course we sometimes have off days, but there is a job to be done. In regards to styling, stick to the basics but know the trends. Hair should have movement! When cutting hair, know your angles, and make that hair dance!”

Becky has such rich business acumen and decorum. From listening to her I learned about how I could improve my business, but I could not leave this beautiful woman without asking for beauty tips! Becky insisted “Women should pay attention to details. Invest in yourself. It’s not okay to just look any kind of way. Ask yourself where are you going in life? The way you present yourself is what you will attract in life and in men. There are a lot of women out here but be a lady.”

I asked Becky if she had any parting thoughts and this is what she had to say, “Thanks Marilyn for this opportunity. You have always believed in me, I appreciate you and for that I am grateful.” 

It was truly a blessing to sit at the feet of a great woman! I appreciated this experience! 

Marquita Chanel Chapman